This review describes my personal r

This review describes my personal reflections on the development of whole chromosome painting using
fluorescence in situ hybridization and how my laboratory applied the technology in humans and in
animal models. The trials and triumphs of the early years are emphasized, along with some of the
scientific surprises that were encountered along the way. Scientific issues that my laboratory addressed
using chromosome painting technologies are summarized and related to questions in radiation
dosimetry, chemical clastogenesis, translocation persistence, and translocation frequencies in
unexposed people. A description is provided of scientific controversies that were encountered and
how they were resolved. I hope this paper will encourage young scientists to follow their passions and
pursue their scientific dreams even if the task seems daunting and the circumstances appear exceedingly
difficult. In my case the journey has been challenging, exciting, and richly rewarding on many levels.
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